1956 Fiat 600 vs. 1949 Fiat 500
To start off, 1956 Fiat 600 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 633 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Fiat 600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Fiat 600 (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Fiat 600 should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Fiat 600 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1949 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 600 | 1949 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 600 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
